The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week, and showcase books and things we have received.
Stacking The Shelves is also a weekly meme hosted by Marlene from Reading Reality. It’s all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!
Don’t forget to look at my giveaways on the right sidebar.
Sunday, I visited blogs and had the Read-along FB chat. I was watching the temp, realfeel, humidity and UV to try to figure out when to mow the lawn. I thought morning but evening looked better in the end. I was able to get it mowed and not feel too hot. I was going to grill but the tank is empty so I need to connect the spare and take this tank for a refill. I reviewed hotels for a short getaway in October when my daughter has a school break.
Monday I had to finish up my ARC for tomorrow’s review and edit some other posts for final scheduling. Someone in the Neighborhood group is giving away hydrangea cuttings and I’d love to have one. I am going to pick them up tomorrow so I better read up what they need tonight. I finally got a install date from the window repair guy. I created banners for the 2022 Readalong and the Bonus January 2023 ReadASeries.
Lulu is afraid of her travel crate so we are working to get her used to it. It is so much lighter, folds up, and is easier to pack than the big crate she sleeps in at night at home. She is really only in it if we go out to eat or something where she can’t go, because on trips she sleeps with us.
Tuesday, was a cloudy, cooler day. I didn’t get going as fast as I wanted. I was able to pick up hydrangea cuttings from a neighbor and will try my hand at growing a bush. I wrote a review. I finally got scheduled the contractor to come look for the kitchen install. I got a birthday card ready for my Mom who will be 94 next week. My daughter helped me do an inventory of the freezer.
Wednesday, I woke very early and got busy with things, and then errands. I discovered the outlet tripped so the freezer wasn’t powered. It works on another outlet though. I ran all my errands. I’ve also been looking up gluten free options for our small weekend getaway. I got all the inventory typed into my Master Cook app so I can start using it for menu planning.
Thursday, I considered whether I need a new freezer. Mine is 28 years old. Having it open for a half hour to do inventory caused it to draw enough power that the outlet tripped. Today I plugged it back in (now that it is cold) and it didn’t trip. I looked online at freezers at Lowes, Home Depot, Sears outlet and Best Buy. I worked on going over the 3 roofing quotes I have and figuring out which kind of shingles I want, comparing the prices and warranties the different companies offer. Then calling back the roofers to ask questions. The one I am leaning towards sent me a list of 3 houses in my area he has done with the color shingles I want to go view.
Friday, the morning started with nice weather. The glass repair guy came right on time and was finished in about a half hour. YAY! The orchid is covered with blossoms, and the Jubilation gardenia bush in the front yard is reblooming again, some of the daylilies are still blooming, and the shrub rose is on another round of new blooms. My daughter and I picked up a recumbent exercise bike someone in our area was giving away that she wanted. Then we drove around looking at shingle colors on houses our potential roofer had done.
Saturday, I read in bed in the morning. I’m not moving too fast today. I got sucked into the Olympics at night and that’s probably going to happen more than once this week.
How do I do it?
If you have any tips for me, please comment.
My Kindle is driving me crazy. I have a Kindle Fire 7. I like the Fire because it the smallest of the Fire and can do other things besides reading but I don’t do anything with it but read. I just got this one in March 2021 when the charging connection on the previous one failed. It is hard to get it to bring up a book, very slow. If I search for things (which are downloaded) it can’t find them. I can scroll through the downloaded library manually and find them, also slow. Sometimes, I have to redownload if I don’t see it after a bunch of scrolling. Also, sometimes on the first page I read and then try to go forward it jumps out of the book and I have to bring it up all over again. I am thinking this possibly happened when I put in a Micro SD card to add memory. Maybe that is the reason it is slow. I think I might take it out and then just manage the storage, deleting things I’ve already read, at least, keeping just the upcoming books / ARCs.
I tried a Kindle Paperwhite a couple years ago and hated it, because the touch on it was jumpy. I found it hard to turn pages. I’d get a newer Fire. maybe because of newer tech and more memory, but I don’t like how much bigger they are.
Does anyone have any tips, suggestions or experience they can share?
Things I Learned This Week:
OK if I’m asking for help, I’m also going to share the cool things I learn. You may already know them but hopefully it will help someone.
So I wanted to share the video with Lulu and needed to figure out how to get the video file online somewhere. I read an article about why you don’t want to load it to your WordPress site and about 7 sites where you can host videos. I chose Vimeo.
Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga’s Reviews and Reading Reality. These are the exciting ARCs I received this week (If you click on the cover, it will take you to the Goodreads entry):
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer,
(If you click on the cover, it will take you to the Goodreads entry)
I picked this one as my Amazon First Read for July. Sophia has a review for it coming up in August.
Now the really scary one. This is all the Kindle and Audible freebies I grabbed this past week. You can see why I need to do Thrifty Thursday to be sure I read a few at least one each month.
I really meant to cut back on freebies BUT they are free so I guess that won’t be happening.
I’m not including things like reviews posted or upcoming as they are always in the right sidebar. And, my challenge status is also there.
Anne
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
Friend or follow me at Goodreads.
- 🎧 A Killing on the Hill by Robert Dugoni @robertdugoni #BrillianceAudio #LoveAudiobooks #KindleUnlimited🎧 - April 25, 2024
- Murder in Rose Hill by Victoria Thompson @gaslightvt @BerkleyPub - April 23, 2024
- Sunday Series: Joe Pickett by CJ Box @cjboxauthor #DavidChandler @RecordedBooks#SundaySeries #LoveAudiobooks - April 21, 2024
LOL, I do the weather and temp estimations to know when to work outside, too. Neat that you got the hydrangea clippings. I think those are so pretty and love how the soil content makes them change color. Guess you picked a good freezer to get all those years out of it. Hopefully, you’ll find it’s equivalent. Sounds fun planning a trip. We’re thinking of doing one in October, too. Looks like you got a lot done this week.
I’ve got one of those big Kindle Fire 8’s after years with a way older model than yours so I can’t help you with the sluggish issue, but I do think you’re onto something with checking the memory chip.
Oooh, you got Mrs. Rochester’s Ghost, too. 😉
Have a good week, Anne!
Thank you Sophia! It was a busy week until I slowed to a crawl yesterday. Now I’m learning how to do everything while watching tv on my phone. I always wondered how my daughter did it, but I want to see the Olympics so I’m figuring it out. lol You convinced me I would like Mrs. Rochester’s Ghost.
I think my Kindle is about 8 or 9 years old, it’s a pretty big Kindle Fire, and I hope I have it forever, I love it so much. I’ve actually bought a Paperwhite and a new Fire as replacements in case this dies but I don’t like them as much. Sorry I know that didn’t answer your question! Have a good week?
EXACTLY! I still have my old original Kindle Fire which I loved but it won’t charge anymore. I’ve had 2 Kindle Fires since and the new ones just aren’t as good. It’s great to have your input though, it confirms my experience.
Poor Lulu. I hope she gets used to the crate! Every dog I’ve owned has loved their cage and voluntarily slept in it.
She loves her crate at home, she’s just not sure about this new different one. I’m sure she will be fine and she won’t be in it much. We are feeding her in it now so we will see. I have faith in my daughter to train her. Lulu is smart.
I don’t have a kindle. I read a lot of my books on my iPhone through one drive. and I like that a lot. I’ll read a book and walk around with the phone chromebook in my hand. I’m lucky that its lightweight.
I do like my phone is smaller and I use it for audiobooks, but I like a little bigger for reading.
Sounds like you had another full, but productive week. I am always impressed reading of everything you did in a week. Sorry to hear Lulu is afraid of her travel crate, hopefully you can get her used to it, so she’s no longer afraid of it the few times she needs to go in it. That’s nice the glass repair guy arrived on time and was done quickly. That’s too bad about your freezer troubles.
I don’t have any tips for you about the ereader. I have a Kobo ereader myself, so no experience with the kindle ones. Ereader troubles are the worst :(.
I hope you’ll have a great week!
Thank you! I’ll figure things out eventually because I don’t give up. I just keep working it in the back of my head, even if it seems like I am not working on it.
I just did a freezer inventory, too. I’ve been slowly using up what we had so I could move the rest into the main fridge/freezer in the kitchen. Now we’ve switched the upright freezer in the laundry room to another fridge and store all our drinks in there. The extra freezer was great when meat was hard to find early on in the pandemic but isn’t needed for the same purpose now.
I know I’ll be watching the Olympics this week, too. 🙂
lol. I used to wonder how my daughter could watch tv while she did everything but I’m figuring it out to watch the Olympics. The last tv I watched was in March so it’s a big change for me.
Last month, I found a good buy on a freezer from Costco if you have a membership…just waiting for the $100 gift card which made it a good buy to come. Sam’s Club too when either is having a big appliance sale.
I have had 3 or 4 Kindle Fires. They’re a great deal when they work, but mine started having problems almost immediately. I think they’re still round the house as paperweights. I use a basic kindle reader (crazy it’s twice the price of the Fire which supposedly can do so much more) and a $100 Lenovo tablet for internet stuff and to listen to audiobooks. I liked my paperwhite especially outside, but it died…after a decent amount of time.
Right now the sale seems to be at Home Depot and the availability. It’s not urgent as mine still works but it’s old so I need to be on the lookout. Thanks for sharing your Kindle reader experiences.
Your books look good! I used to have a Paperwhite, but it quit on me. Now I have an Oasis, which I’ve enjoyed for three years. But sometimes the pages don’t turn properly, sigh. But it is manageable. I hope you get yours to work…or find another one.
Enjoy your week, and here are my WEEKLY UPDATES
Thanks for sharing your experiences. I would consider a Paperwhite or Oasis but they are much more and I’m afraid they won’t work any better. It’s frustrating.
That was cool of the roofer to give you some actual houses to look at! That would sell me for sure! Good luck with Lulu-getting dogs to adapt to something they fear is always challenging and time consuming. One of my dogs, Yoda, was terrified of stairs. It took a week of me working with him for about an hour a day. He still isn’t a fan, but he will go up and down after a few seconds of decision.
Our advantage is Lulu is super smart. Once she figures out there isn’t anything scary because it is where all her toys are and now her food, she will adapt. She didn’t like the bed under my desk and now she’s there every day. I didn’t do anything to train her for it.
I learned just recently about how if you want to share an audiobook clip not to put it on your WordPress, but to save it like on SoundCloud and then post the link. So the video thing you shared is nice to know too! I have a Nook, because I used to work at a Barnes and Noble. I’ll probably always have one as long as they make them. Because I also have the Kindle app on it and can read my Kindle books on there as well. Hope you have a good last week of July!
Thank you Lisa. I used Soundcloud until I filled it up and they wouldn’t take any more clips from me without a paid subscription. Some of the publishers I review put up their own clips or other sites like Audiofile magazine.
I use the kindle app on my iPhone. I’m watching the Olympics too. Always lots of house stuff to be done, with the heat it’s very smart to plan outdoor work around the temps and humidity. Have a good week!
Thank you Victoria. I use the phone for audiobooks and now watching the Olympics constantly. Yes I’m outdoors a lot less in July and August.
Very nice book haul this week. WOW what a week. You are always so busy and getting a lot done. I had the Paperwhite, but after a month I stopped using it. I find I preferer the apps (Nook/Kindle) to read on my phone. Just having one device with me and not two when I go out is nicer. Have a great week.
Thank you! I’m surprised how many people read on their phone.
Ya it’s just so much easier for me. I had a Nook when they first came out then it died. Didn’t get a new one. Thought I’d try the Kindle, but that didn’t last. I even used my iPad for a while, but I like the phone ^_^
I’ve never had a Kindle Fire, but that’s a bummer you’re having issues. It does seem like the older models of all the e-readers were more durable and had a longer battery life. I have a Waterproof Kindle Paperwhite and I love it, but the battery doesn’t last as long as my original models, but I can read in the pool or the bathtub and not worry about ruining it. Comes in handy when my grandkids are swimming and splashing about, lol!
Thanks for the experiences / info Rachel.
I’ve got a Kindle Oasis for two years now and I’ve been loving it. I don’t have any problems with it so far and use it pretty much everyday. Before the Oasis I got the Paperwhite which I loved too. And at times I use the kindle app on my Iphone.
I hope you’re enjoying the Olympics so far. I haven’t seen anything yet.
Have a great week and happy reading.
Thanks for sharing your experiences. I love the Olympics.
I don’t know about the Kindle. I use a Kindle Keyboard for reading because it’s so simple to use.
It’s been too hot here. I love Lulu, so cute.
Thank you! Lulu is the best.
Glad you got that plant. And hope it will grow as hoped and bring you joy whenever you look at it. I cross my fingers that Lulu will accept her new travel bed. Happy reading and have fun watching the Olympic games. And thank you for liking and retweeting my review tweet of The Invisible Life Of Addie LaRue. Appreciate it. Happy reading.
Lulu will figure it out. She’s smart. Addie LaRue is one of my favorite reads this year.
Hope your hydrangea grows for you! I’ve been working hard on my gardens this summer. We’ll see if I can keep (almost) everything alive! LOL! Sorry about the problems you’ve been having with your Kindle. I don’t have a Fire, so I’ve never experienced the problems you’re having, but I hope someone can give you some help!
I love all my flower gardens. It’s a bit of effort to keep the flowers, gardens and new sod in the yard all doing well.
I really hope that Lulu gets used to her crate! But animals can be so sensitive sometimes!
Lulu is smart; she will adapt.
I love hydrangeas – such a lovely family of plants:)). I have an elderly Kindle Fire, which I use for audiobooks and works really well, so I am confirming your findings regarding the older models being tougher and sturdier, which is frankly appalling, given sustainability issues. And I swear by my trusty Paperwhite, which is also old in the tooth – but I’m aware that the brightness needs to be turned right down, or it burns through the battery and constantly needs charging. I have mine on 4 setting. Have a great week, Anne.
Thank you Sarah, for your experiences with Kindles.
I love, love the Paperwhite – I’m on my third one. So I can’t help you with your Fire. But if you just got it, I’d call Amazon to get some help! If you can afford it, you may want to invest in a new freezer – it would be much more energy efficient and probably a bit more stable. Good luck!
So on the Paperwhite, how long do they last if you have had 3? Yes that is my plan on the freezer.
I’ve had three over the course of several years. I got my first in 2013, moving from the touch or keyboard, I can’t recall. I gave that one to my mom and upgraded in 2015, and then gave that one to my dad and upgraded in 2018. They’ve always been gone, I just wanted the new tech. I know my dad still uses the one I gave him. Not sure about my mom.
Okay, that was the ULTIMATE in Lulu fixes???
Sounds like this was a much better week than last in terms of you getting the answers you needed. Have fun selecting a freezer. I don’t think you can go wrong with most brands. My Mom’s lasted 50 years. We’re working on 25.
Have a great week, Anne!
I’ve watched the video about 50 times. Lulu is irresistible.
I am really fond of the old freezer which has not had a single problem. It makes me think I should keep it but it is old. I ordered a new one yesterday. It will be more energy efficient and hopefully will last if it’s not a lemon to start. I am keeping the old one for a week or two to make sure before I give it up. There are a surprising number of people who want a free working freezer even if it is very old.
Sorry I can’t help with the Kindle situation. I am on my second Paperwhite and I’m pretty happy with it. Maybe instead of getting a Fire, just get a regular tablet? Like a Samsung or an iPad? They’re basically the same thing. Busy week for you! Hope you have a good week ahead.
Thanks for your suggestions. I’ve been reading on my phone which is actually working well. So we will see.
Sorry about your kindle frustrations – I have a paperwhite so I can’t weigh in, but I hope you get some answers.
Sounds like another super productive week – from the freezer clean out to home improvement projects and even a repair man coming on time! Yay!
I still haven’t actually watched any of the Olympics. I really want to, but I really don’t have any extra time in my schedule to even figure out how to watch ? I have always really enjoyed the gymnastics and I was interested in some of the new events.
Hope you’re having a great week!
Thank you! I keep plugging away at things. I watched last night on broadcast tv while I cooked dinner, which worked well. It’s keeping away from the audiobooks I would usually listen during that time.